The Virtues of Autumn Clematis
Autumn is rather limited in the variety of plants that are still blooming now. But one, ‘clematis paniculata,’ or ‘Autumn Clematis,’ puts all others to shame with her fresh lime… Read More
Author: Bettie Bearden Pardee
Inspiring Architectural Design: Edgehill
As a true Texan would say, “I love that the welcome mat is always out and friends feel free to drop over anytime. I can come home and not know… Read More
Inspiring Architectural Design: Bois Doré
My last book, Living Newport: Houses, People, Style (2014), was a response to the latest evolution in our town’s 381 year history…the ability to work remotely that was accommodated by… Read More
An Impromptu Evening in September
This summer unofficially closed with a rare “balmy” night that prompted me to embrace the spirit of the last few months — finding a creative way to breach the stifling… Read More
A Closing Act on the Summer Season
Like so many silver linings in this Covid summer, the ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas are proving themselves the stars of my September season. Blooming a bit later this year than usual, perhaps… Read More
Strolling the Gardens at Bellevue House
Up the street, exactly one mile from me door to door, is a historic house renowned as one of only two homes in America both designed and decorated by Ogden… Read More
Parterre’s Madcap Cutting Garden
As summer 2020 ends (Yikes! it’s already September 3), I find myself bemused and a bit befuddled by the bounty of the Cutting Garden. For as orderly and manicured as… Read More
Pampered Pets of Private Newport
Traditions are important. As this wonky summer of 2020 comes to a close, I’m been very muck looking forward to penning this annual post. To add a bit more magic,… Read More
Ode to Newport 2: The Parterre Bench
As summer comes to a close, I’m reminded again of how much I treasure our magical town. I’m sure that was obvious when you were reading my recent post, “Ode… Read More
The Orangerie at Parterre
For both sentimental reasons (it was a surprise Christmas gift from my husband) and aesthetic reasons (it is in the middle of the garden), the Orangerie plays an outsize role… Read More